GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) -The 15-member regional integration movement, the Caribbean Community (Caricom), says it is “pleased” to note the decision of the United States government to issue a certification of rescission of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

“This decision to remove Cuba from the US List of State Sponsors of Terrorism on January 14, lifts the wrongfully imposed restriction that has inflicted significant hardship on the people of Cuba,” CARICOM said in a statement, adding “This is a step in the right direction.”

”Caricom has consistently advocated for the removal of the embargo of the United States of America against Cuba and urged the dismantling of outdated and discriminatory measures that have exacerbated Cuba’s economic and social struggles,” the statement said.

”In this regard, the community reiterates its call for the lifting of the financial, economic, and trade embargo imposed on the people and government of Cuba by the government of the United States of America,” the statement added.

The Biden administration said it would remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism and ease economic restrictions as part of a deal for the release of political prisoners.

The Catholic church facilitated the agreement that would allow for the humanitarian release of dozens of political prisoners before President Biden leaves office at noon on January 20.

The prisoners were arrested after a government crackdown on protests in 2021 that were triggered by an economic crisis. Almost one million Cubans left the country amid the unrest, with a majority coming to the United States.

The decision is likely to be reversed by the incoming Trump administration with Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, whose family fled Cuba in the 1950s, supporting strong sanctions on Cuba.